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4 Things Seniors Should Know About Treating Depression

When we feel physical pain, we reach for ibuprofen or call our doctors for advice. So, why shouldn’t seniors do the same when they are experiencing the physical and mental pain of depression? You don’t need to suffer due to stigma, and you don’t need to take on this battle alone. Here’s what you need to know about getting help for your depression.

Medicare Can Help with Mental Health Too

Most seniors know they can rely on Medicare for their annual check-ups and physical health needs. For seniors struggling with depression and other mental health issues, however, Medicare can offer coveragethat can help as well. For example, Medicare Part B offers some coverage for outpatient services, but it may not be enough. So, stay informed about your Medicare plan options and any changes that could impact your ability to seek care for your depression. You may want to research supplemental Medicare plansthat could offer even more benefits for your mental health so you can get the help that you need to feel like yourself again. These plans can also help out with prescription drug costs, which can come in handy if you need medication to alleviate your depression symptoms.

Asking for Help Is Often the Hardest Step

Depression is common among adults in America, and yet there is still so much stigmaaround getting treatment. As a society, we have a long history of treating mental illness differently than other health conditions, but that really shouldn’t be the case. The truth is, millions of Americansare dealing with mental health issues every single day, but less than half of those people seek out the help they need. You can reduce the voice of stigma in yourself by knowing that you are not alone and that you are not weak for wanting to get better. Start by searching for a therapistwho can help you get on the road to recovery and develop ways to cope along the way. You can also check to see if your therapist will accept Medicare or if you will need to find another way to pay for your treatment or another therapist that fits your Medicare coverage.

Social Connection Can Ease Symptoms of Depression

There are so many things you can do to find relief from depression. You may need to make a self-care checklistto remind yourself to practice basic healthy habits, like taking a shower and eating healthfully. Those efforts can help you stay afloat when you are feeling down, but one of the most impactful ways seniors can ease feelings of depression is to stay socially connected. When you feel isolated, research shows you are more likely to feel depressed, which can cause you to isolate yourself even more. You can prevent isolation and depression by reaching out to loved ones for support or by taking up a new hobby that allows you to meet new people, such as volunteering at a local charity or taking a yoga class. Plus, staying physically active can ease feelings of depression as well, so you will be reaping more benefits for your mental health.

Addiction Often Occurs With Depression in Older Adults

Getting help for your depression is a good first step towards taking back control of your life. It’s also important to note that depression and addictionoften occur together. Which comes first is hard to pinpoint, but what matters is that those suffering from addiction address mental health issues during their treatment. Going through treatment can make depressive symptoms worse, so it’s also important to take this into account as well. For seniors, alcohol abuseis very common when there is an untreated mental health issue, such as depression. Since drinking can make depression worse, it’s crucial to recognize whether you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or other substances and seek out comprehensive treatment to help.

If you’re a senior who is struggling with depression, you shouldn’t have to suffer alone. There are professionals who can help you feel like yourself again and help you see your way out of the darkness. You just have to reach out and get that help for yourself.